By VERONICA MWABA –
National Technology Business Centre chief executive Luwodzya Mwale says there is need for Zambia to invest in research and development to help raise the country’s industry base.
Mr Mwale said research and development was important to Zambia’s economic development hence the need for more investment in that area.
Zambia had not really gotten any benefits in research and development because the country still relied on imported products.
Mr Mwale was speaking in an interview in Lusaka recently.
He said investments in research had been very minimal, and that some years back Zambia used to produce ‘Tip top’ a local carbonated drink which was manufactured locally, which was as a result of research.
‘Now I do not think there are any meaningful strides the country is making in research and development. There is need to do more.
“There has to be a lot of advocacy and investment in science and technology and the whole spectrum should change,” Mr Mwale said.
He said although the Government was doing its part, there was a lot of myth that people think that research and development should be driven by the Government.
However, there was need for the key players in science, technology and innovation to make use of partnerships both locally and internationally.
“This would be good to share resources and also avid reinventing the will. As long as the private sector does not play a role in research and development the Government cannot do much,” Mr Mwale said.
He said better policies are needed to assist in coordination and implementation of various activities saying that regular review on the performance of policies was important.
“It is essential for Zambia to invest in research and development as a cornerstone of every aspect of expansion because no country can develop without inculcating the culture of science and technology in its people,” Mr Mwale said.